The City of Sarnia announced further COVID-19 measures Friday including free transit service but bus users are asked to limit ridership.
Transit Superintendent Andrew Savor said bus fares are not being collected as of March 20, but given the current environment, residents are asked to refrain from riding on a public transit bus unless absolutely necessary.
"Passengers are being asked to board buses via the rear doors, passengers don't have to pay fare, and the reason for that is to encourage to keep a distance between bus driver and passenger, but also passenger and passenger."
Passengers requiring mobility assistance can continue to use the front doors when required.
Savour said ridership is down about 50 per cent, due in part to the closure of Lambton College, and the usual decrease in riders during March break each year.
He stressed all high-touch areas in the vehicles are being meticulously cleaned each evening in addition to having a special solution applied.
"Every single bus on the road has been treated with a microbial solution that kills 99 per cent of all bacteria on the surface on which it was applied, and its duration lasts 12 months."
The transit superintendent also said drivers have access to transit-only washrooms at every terminal on their routes.
"Operators who are on the road, on the routes driving buses, have access to these washrooms at every terminal and they are asked and encouraged to walk into the washroom, wash your hands every 15 or 30 minutes, depending on your route, and use the hand sanitizer," he said.
Mayor Mike Bradley said Friday the public is being asked to stay clear of playground equipment in city parks.
"We do stress please keep away from the playground equipment with your kids," said Bradley. "It's not a risk to take."
Mayor Bradley said city council will meet next week by teleconference.
"We now have the power, as of [Thursday], thanks to the cooperation of all the political parties, for council to meet by teleconference to deal with some of the urgent business. One of the things I'll be asking city council and county council is to put a freeze on all discretionary spending," he said. "Can we delay, for 60 days, any penalties on payment of taxes and water bills?"
Mayor Bradley said the city has lowered its debt so much over recent years that it has more room to maneuver than many other municipalities, and the province and federal government.
Even so, he said they have to watch their cashflow "because that cashflow that comes in here is really important to make the city operate, and all of those issues are under discussion, there are reports going to council so that they can look at options that are out there."
He said council will meet next week to make a couple of critical emergency decisions, not to do regular business, because residents are focused on the pandemic. Teleconference meetings have been scheduled for Monday March 23, and Wednesday March 25 at 10:30 a.m. The meetings will be web streamed through a link available through the city's website.
-With files from Stephanie Chaves
